Izzy Obeng 🚀

I didn’t get here by fitting in ‌ I got here by breaking in ‌ Let’s be honest… when people like me show up in spaces of power, we’re often expected to shrink ‌ Smile. Blend… ‌ Make it easier for the room to digest us ‌ But this is what *disruption* looks like: ‌ → Built @foundervine from the ground up ‌ → Backed founders who’ve raised over £100M+ ‌ → Invested in over 10 companies often as a first cheque (and actively investing now 🚀) ‌ → Created an ecosystem where there wasn’t one ‌ A few months ago, I received my MBE at Buckingham Palace ‌ My mum in full Ghanaian kente and my dad stood beside me ‌ Proud. Dignified. Still quietly asking themselves how we got here ‌ I’m deeply grateful. But make no mistake: ‌ The MBE isn’t a finish line ‌ It’s just a marker. A complicated one at that ‌ A reminder of how far we’ve come ‌ and how much further we still need to go ‌ Because too many brilliant people are still locked out of the room ‌ Too many builders don’t see themselves in the future story ‌ Too many stories are being written without us ‌ We’re changing that ‌ Making entrepreneurship accessible to *everyone* ‌ Redesigning the system, not waiting to be let in ‌ The work isn’t done ‌ Here’s to the next chapter ‌ Thank you to the community that made this one possible ‌ (and to mum and dad) ‌ 🫶🏽

I’m deeply honoured to share that I’ve been awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours List 2025 for services to UK digital growth and supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds ✨ ‌ My parents came to the UK in the mid-1980s with little more than hope for a better future. My mum worked tirelessly as a carer, and my dad dedicated his career to supporting small voluntary organisations in local communities - I still meet people that tell me how much his work has impacted their lives. My parents could never have imagined the path my life would take, and knowing their joy, pride, and countless prayers has made this moment even more special ‌ When I first heard about the MBE and told my best friend, she looked up at the 10th-floor council flat where I grew up and said, “Look where you’ve come from.” That hit different. For those of you who know my journey, you’ll know it’s been anything but straightforward ‌ Last year was one of reflection and growth. Earlier in 2024, I was honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London, and now this recognition. These milestones aren’t just about me—they reflect a whole lot of work to change the status quo from an extraordinary community ‌ Honours like these can be complex, and I understand that they mean very different things to different people. For me, I hope the recognition brings attention to the great work of my very awesome team at @foundervine and the inspiring entrepreneurs we serve. Together, we’ve supported 600 businesses, empowered 2,000 leaders to raise raise millions in funding 🚀 ‌ Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside me on this journey. Your love, encouragement, and belief have meant everything. Here’s to the journey 🫶🏼 ‌ Follow us at @foundervine

Freedom of the City 🎖️ ‌ I’m honoured and thankful to receive the Freedom of the City of London bestowed by the Lord Mayor of London ‌ The honour is the highest honour the City can bestow and has a long history. In 1237, one could not trade, vote or own property in London without being a ‘freeman’. Nearly 800 years later, while many of the privileges have ceased to be relevant, I’m proud to stand as a representation of a very different city, one my forefathers couldn’t have foreseen ‌ It’s truly an honour to join a list of notable freeman like Nelson Mandela, Stephen Hawking and Winston Churchill. I’m even more proud that I could be recognised alongside incredible leaders I admire and respect today 🚀 ‌ I was nominated by the Lord Mayor in recognition of my contribution to London’s innovation and entrepreneurial sector ‌ I want a world where we can take our freedom for granted. In the midst of everything happening in the UK right now, I’m proud to fight for better outcomes in innovation and industry ‌ Here’s to the journey 🙏🏽 ‌ 📷 Photo credit: @cityoflondoncorp @palassociates

Speaking at London Venture Capital Summit this Friday 🎤 ‌ Guildhall, London. 15 May. The CEO Playbook ✨ ‌ 1,500+ investors and founders in one room.. if you’re going to be there, come and find me Tickets still available at londonvcsummit.com ‌ or check out @londonvcnetwork ‌ ‌ ‌ — ‌ #LondonVCSummit #CEO #Foundervine #ukstartups

Announcement! 📣 ‌ I’m one of the new AXA Startup Angels for 2026. ✨ ‌ One of the UK’s most exciting platforms for early-stage founders — in partnership with @thelondonstandard 🗞️ ‌ Eight years building @foundervine to do one thing: remove the barriers that stop brilliant people from building ‌ I’ve watched founders with extraordinary ideas talk themselves out of starting. I’ve seen what one person believing in you at the right moment can do ‌ That person could be me. for you. this year. 👇 ‌ 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻 £𝟮𝟱𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀? ✅ £25,000 cash prize ✅ 1 year of AXA business insurance ✅ one-to-one mentorship with me ✅ mental health & resilience webinar ✅ 50% off AXA Health policy ‌ It doesn’t have to be perfect. it just has to have the potential to transform an industry. ‌ Entries close 21 June 2026. ‌ Comment AXA below and I’ll DM you the link. 👇 ‌ @axa_uk ‌ ‌ — ‌ ‌ #AXAStartupAngel #Foundervine #UKEntrepreneurs #StartupAngel #SmallBusinessOwners WomenInBusiness BlackEntrepreneurs

If you’re building and no one’s replying… it’s not always you ‌ A lot of founders just aren’t being seen ‌ I’m actively investing and scouting for Zeal Capital Partners (@zealvc.co ) BBFI — writing angel cheques at the very early stage 💸 ‌ If you’re in the UK and building something serious, send it ‌ Focus: B2B SaaS Fintech Health ‌ Access matters ‌ So I’ve kept it simple — one open link for everyone ‌ Submit your deck via link in bio ‌ — ‌ And in other news… ‌ US founders — we’re live!! 🇺🇸 @Foundervine Accelerator (East Coast) is open: ‌ 16 weeks Investor access $10k at Demo Day ‌ Apply or send to someone who should 🚀 ‌ #FoundervineUSA

Diaspora Deep Dive is back and we’re kicking off with a powerhouse! We’re thrilled to host Izzy Obeng MBE, a British Ghanaian entrepreneur, leadership coach, Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, and CEO of @foundervine , one of the UK’s most dynamic innovation accelerators. From Accra to London, @izzy.obeng is shaping the future of entrepreneurship across borders; and on Thursday, 12 March at 18:00, she’s joining us for an unmissable conversation. Expect insights on: - Unlocking venture capital for African founders - How global companies can partner with startups on the continent - De-risking investment into African ventures - Scaling international accelerator networks This is the session for innovators, investors, and anyone passionate about Africa’s startup future. Secure your spot now : Bit.ly/ldnacc6 Tag someone who needs to see this.

We’re hiring in Ghana 🇬🇭 ‌ Accra based. Global remit. Real impact ‌ Foundervine is looking for a Business Development Manager to drive growth across the UK, USA and Ghana ‌ This is not a “send a few emails” sales role. This is ownership. New market expansion. Revenue strategy. We’re looking for ambitious operators who want to build, not just maintain ‌ You’ll work directly with me on high value, complex opportunities. You’ll help commercialise new services. You’ll represent us in the rooms where decisions get made ‌ We’ve partnered with global institutions to drive real impact. We’re expanding internationally. And we need someone who can turn momentum into measurable growth ‌ Small team. High trust. High standards. Visibility and ownership from day one ‌ This could be your next serious move ‌ Also check out our Program Associate role for an ambitious junior leader. ‌ Apply via link in bio

Hey USA - We’re hiring in DC! 🇺🇸 ‌ @foundervine is looking for a smart, driven intern in the USA at the start of their career to join our team on the ground. If you care about startups, social impact, and want hands-on experience launching something global from scratch, this is your shot 🚀 ‌ You’ll support everything from programme design to partnerships, research, events and outreach. You’ll be working closely with a senior US-based team member and collaborating with colleagues across the #UK and #Ghana ‌ 📍 Washington DC 🌍 International focus, fast-moving projects 🧑🏽‍💻 Ideal for someone who wants to build, learn and be in the room where it happens ‌ Know someone? Please help us share Sounds like you? Link in bio ‌ — ‌ #impactcareers #foundervine #socialimpactjobs #earlycareers #internopportunity #globalcareers #entrepreneurship #usa

Hey Ghana — I’m hiring 🇬🇭 ‌ A new healthcare startup is looking for an Operations Manager to help us build from the ground up 👨🏽‍💻 ‌ We’re connecting international clients to trusted clinics in Ghana… and we need someone sharp, proactive, and ready to bring order to the chaos (in the best way) ‌ If you’re someone who thrives on structure, can manage people and processes, and wants to help shape something meaningful - this could be for you 🚀 ‌ Location: Accra (Hybrid) Type: Full-time (Contractor) Salary: Competitive ‌ This is a great opportunity to join something early and make a real impact from day one ‌ Know someone great? Pass it on Interested? Link in bio ‌ ‌ — ‌ #HiringInAccra #GhanaJobs #AccraJobs #Accra #Ghana

We’re on the lookout in Ghana 🇬🇭 for two roles in our Marketing and Communications team: ‌ 👩🏽‍💻Marketing Manager 👨🏽‍💻Brand & Digital Design Assoc. Manager ‌ You’ll be working on bold, creative campaigns and global programmes with partners like #Barclays, #Amazon, #PayPal and the UK Government - all while telling stories that inspire change and connect communities ‌ You’ll work with a truly international team between the UK, USA and Ghana ‌ Competitive salaries, career opportunities & great work culture ‌ We’re looking for people who: ‌ ✨Are creative and strategic thinkers ✨ Love design, storytelling and impact ✨ Want to work in a mission-led team ‌ Sound like you? ‌ 🚨 Roles close soon ‌ Apply via foundervine.com/careers or the link in our @foundervine bio ‌ Please share widely - we look forward to meeting you! ‌ — ‌ #accra #ghana #jobs #foundervine ‌ ‌

Now Open: The Foundervine Graduate Scheme 📍Osu, Accra (Hybrid) 🇬🇭 ‌ Are you a recent graduate with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and making a difference? @foundervine is hiring in Accra! 🚀 ‌ Join one of the most exciting accelerator ecosystems, working with organisations like PayPal, Google, Barclays and more. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience at the forefront of business and investment readiness—while helping to create real impact. ‌ What we’re about: ✨ Empowering entrepreneurs 🌍 Expanding access to AI and digital skills 🫱🏾‍🫲🏿 Building inclusive ecosystems ⚡️ Working with courage, creativity and integrity ‌ This is more than a grad scheme. It’s a launchpad. ‌ Are you ready? ‌ 📝 Applications closing very soon 🔗 Click link in @foundervine bio 📅 Deadline: Friday 19th April ‌ ‌ ‌ — #Foundervine #GraduateScheme #Accra #Careers #Entrepreneurship #Africa #Hiring #Graduates #techcareersghana